Selank

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences by combining the active fragment of tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg), a naturally occurring immunostimulatory peptide, with a Pro-Gly-Pro sequence that enhances metabolic stability. Selank has been approved in Russia as a prescription anxiolytic and nootropic medication. Its mechanism of action involves modulation of several neurotransmitter systems, including enhancement of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression, stabilisation of enkephalin degradation, modulation of the GABAergic system, and influence on serotonergic signalling. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank produces anxiolytic effects without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence potential. Research has also demonstrated immunomodulatory effects through increased IL-6 production, enhanced monocyte activity, and modulation of the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In cognitive research, Selank has shown improvements in memory consolidation, attention, and learning capacity in both animal models and human clinical trials, making it one of the few peptides with robust data across both immune and neurological domains.